A travel content creator believes this enchanting village is worthy of your holiday bucket list, with pastel buildings, sub-tropical gardens and stunning architecture that will transport you to the Mediterranean
Next time you’re planning a UK break, you might want to take note of a travel content creator who insists she’s discovered a picture-perfect spot that will make you “feel like you’re in Italy”.
After visiting the location, Amy Hulley described the captivating British village as thoroughly deserving of a place on your holiday “bucket list” as she posted an update to Instagram for her followers. “For a moment I genuinely forgot I was in the UK,” she confessed in a video. Visitors can purchase an entrance ticket to explore the village for the day, or book accommodation in one of its charming hotels and cottages.
The destination? Portmeirion in Gwynedd, North Wales on the border of Snowdonia National Park.
Amy added: “Pastel buildings. Arches and domes. Palm trees overlooking the water. It felt Mediterranean, almost cinematic.”
She also disclosed her visit happened to coincide with a steampunk festival, with period dress and live entertainment only contributing further to the “fun atmosphere”.
Discussing the village’s exotic gardens and remarkable architecture, Amy continued: “Sir Clough Williams-Ellis began creating it in 1925 to prove that colourful, theatrical design could sit beautifully within nature rather than damage it. Every building was carefully positioned to frame the estuary and protect the woodland around it.”
Writing in response, one past tourist praised: “A wonderful place to visit, a little expensive but worth it!”
A second person admitted: “Wow I can’t believe this is in the UK, Amy. Stunning Italian vibes.” A third enthused: “Can’t wait to visit here! So picturesque.”
While a fourth Instagram user gushed: “This is beautiful, it’s definitely on my bucket list now.”
Meanwhile, Portmeirion’s official tourism website proudly states: “Experience the magic of staying in Portmeirion. See the dawn break over the mountains of Meirionnydd; watch the tide fill the Dwyryd estuary from shore to shore.
“Stay in one of two luxury 4-star hotels or in a suite in the middle of the village. Portmeirion also offers self-catering accommodation on the picturesque North Wales coast. Situated on the southern flank of its own private peninsula, Portmeirion is a place apart.”
The village also features multiple cafes alongside an Italian-style gelateria serving genuine home-made gelato. “There are three shops in the village The Prisoner Shop with souvenirs of the famous series filmed here in 1966-67, the Rob Piercy Gallery and The Ship Shop with gifts, toys, housewares and Portmeirion Pottery best-ware, Portmeirion Pottery seconds as well as preserves, wines, and confectioneries,” the website continues.
It also served as the filming location for the 1960s cult classic series, The Prisoner, starring Patrick McGoohan. “It was probably one of the most influential pieces of television of the 1960’s not only in the UK and USA, but also in France, Australia, and many other countries,” according to the site.
The website elaborates: “The series is rich in imagery and visual impact. The surreal architecture of the village with its Mediterranean atmosphere coupled with the high-tech interiors, tannoys, surveillance cameras and piped music create a bizarre combination.”
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